Media & Communications Topeka, KS Pop. 127,473

Photographer Salary in Topeka, Kansas

The median photographer salary in Topeka, KS is $33,366 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 4.6% below the Kansas state average.

City Median
$33,366
vs State Avg
$-1,608
vs National
$-6,834
Cost of Living
83%

Photographer Pay in Topeka: What to Expect (2026)

Topeka offers a median photographer salary of $33,366, which is $1,608 below the Kansas state average of $34,974. Compared to the national median of $40,200, Topeka pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Topeka's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $33,366 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $40,200 in an average-cost city. This makes Topeka an attractive option for photographers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for photographers in Topeka spans from $19,920 at the 10th percentile to $68,060 at the 90th percentile — a $48,140 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,580, while senior photographers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $62,250. With a population of 127,473, Topeka is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Photographer Salary in Topeka by Experience

In Topeka, an entry-level photographer earns around $21,580, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,580
$-4,420 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,860
$-7,140 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,250
$-12,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Topeka, KS

Percentile Topeka
10th Percentile $19,920
25th Percentile $24,900
Median (50th) $33,366
75th Percentile $48,140
90th Percentile $68,060

Photographer Salary in Other Kansas Cities

Overland Park, KS
$38,592
Pop. 197,238
Olathe, KS
$37,788
Pop. 141,290
Kansas City, KS
$35,376
Pop. 156,607
Wichita, KS
$34,170
Pop. 397,532

How to Become a Photographer in Topeka

Education

Most photographer positions require a high school diploma. Topeka and the surrounding Kansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, photographer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Topeka may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Photographer Jobs in Topeka

Browse open photographer positions in Topeka, KS:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Topeka

How much does a Photographer make in Topeka, KS? ▼
The median photographer salary in Topeka, Kansas is $33,366 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $19,920 (10th percentile) to $68,060 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Topeka? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,366, a photographer in Topeka earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Topeka compare to the Kansas state average for photographer pay? ▼
Topeka's median photographer salary of $33,366 is 4.6% below the Kansas state average of $34,974. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Topeka, KS? ▼
Topeka has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a photographer salary of $33,366 in Topeka has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a photographer in Topeka? ▼
Most photographer positions in Topeka require a high school diploma. Key skills include Photography, Lightroom/Photoshop, Lighting, Composition. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.